Iman Raad, School of Fish, 2021, hand-crafted glazed terra cotta tile, PS 384, Queens

School of Fish is a site-specific ceramic mural designed by artist Iman Raad for the lobby of PS 384 Queens. It is made of over 2000 hand-made and hand-painted tiles created by master artisans in the ancient Moroccan city of Fes. The 33-foot-long mural features schools of fish swimming in a river with faces peeking out from the waters.  

The saw tooth form of the wall and the touch of ochre glaze on its sides are intended by the artist to resemble the shimmering water of the East River and to address historical references to the industrial past of the school’s neighborhood. The water in the mural is made of crescent-shaped tiles ranging in color from teal to turquoise. They reflect the shape of the waves and the colors of the river, as well as fish scales. Some of the crescent tiles have faces hand-painted on them, suggesting the relationship between people and this historic waterway. The crescent shape is also reminiscent of the nearby factory roofs of Long Island City. The fish depict six different fish species found in the East River: Bluefish, Striped Bass, Carp, Needlefish, Toadfish, and Goldfish. (Yes, though of course not native, goldfish can be found in the East River). Nearly all face the same direction, as if they are swimming into the building, guiding the students in as they arrive at school.   

With this piece, and specifically with the inclusion of different kinds of fish, Raad intends for the piece to “celebrate diversity and solidarity.”